Rock 'N Learn Phonics Review and Giveaway...

Cool For School Giveaway #6

Thanks to Rock 'N Learn, we recently got to review an awesome learning DVD called Phonics, Volume 1:

Some background on Rock 'N Learn:

"For over 23 years, Rock ’N Learn has been producing cool educational music and videos for fun learning. Our team of educators, musicians, and animators enjoy creating entertaining educational DVDs and music CDs used in schools and homes nationwide and in other countries. Rock ’N Learn offers award-winning programs for preschool, math, social studies, languages, and science. We also have educational DVDs to help students boost test-taking skills and score high on state-mandated standardized tests. Easy-to-use, these entertaining DVDs get results when workbooks and other methods fail.
Rock ’N Learn programs are highly recommended by teachers and available in education specialty stores and catalogs. Popular titles include Multiplication Rock, Multiplication Rap, Letter Sounds, Phonics Video, Getting Ready for Kindergarten, Telling Time, Spanish Video, Money & Making Change, and more.
Rock ’N Learn is a leading brand that parents and teachers trust and that kids love.
We unconditionally guarantee your satisfaction with Rock ’N Learn educational products. "

Description of Phonics, Volume 1:

"Practicing the phonics skills that lead to reading and spelling success is more fun than ever. We’ve turbocharged our best-selling Phonics video program with new, enhanced animation along with sentence and story practice. Catchy rhymes make rules easy to remember. Delayed answers and our “on-screen mouth” let students check their reading and pronunciation. Read-along stories and fun songs provide practice with rules and build reading fluency. Context clues help students develop multiple strategies to read for meaning.
Ages 6 & up. Approx. 70 minutes."

What we thought: This DVD is recommended for ages 6 and up and our oldest is 4, but the characters and songs are fun and interesting enough to keep the young ones watching:) They really enjoyed watching this DVD and I heard both A and 21 month old D singing along several times, even the first time they watched it! I was super impressed with the way Rock 'N Learn presented this phonics lesson "in disguise", if you will. I think the kids knew they were learning, but it was so much fun to watch and sing along! I am happy with what my little ones have picked up from this DVD so far and I'm sure they will be learning even more each time they watch Phonics, Volume 1. This DVD has definitely gotten our family interested in the Rock 'N Learn line of DVDs. ABCD Diaries gives Rock 'N Learn Phonics, Volume 1 an A and our Cool For School Seal of Approval!!

Buy It: You can find this and other Rock 'N Learn DVDs with this store locator.

Win It: Rock 'N Learn has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a copy of the Phonics, Volume 1 DVD!!! To enter, leave a comment below telling us who this DVD would be for.

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Giveaway ends Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a Phonics, Volume 1 DVD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

SmartKnitKIDS Review and Giveaway...

Cool For School Giveaway#5

Thanks to SmartKnitKIDS, we recently had the chance to review several pair of Seamless Sensitivity Socks.

A little info about the product:

"Tired of hearing her son scream “these sock seams keep bugging me,” a mom decided something needed to be done. Every “seamless” sock her son tried had seams in it; there was not a truly seamless sock available. After explaining the frustrating morning routine to countless friends of her son’s struggles with socks, she was finally given the name of Knit-Rite, a textile manufacturer, and contacted them with her request for a seamless kids sock. After several requests for seamless socks from "desperate" parents, SmartKnitKIDS socks were created. Knit the same way a caterpillar spins its cocoon, SmartKnitKIDS socks are started at the toe and worked up toward the ankle. This process insures a 100% seamless sock, so there are no seams to bug ya! A form-fitting design also keeps those annoying lumps and bumps out of the socks. Since its launch in 2003, SmartKnitKIDS continues to find new markets and grow every year. Super soft material and a seam free design make it the most comfortable kid’s sock on the market. SmartKnitKIDS come in a color for every personality: white, black, pink, purple, and navy. Ankle, crew and knee-high styles are available up to a youth size 8. Knit-Rite, Inc. is a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of innovative textiles for medical and consumer markets. Founded in 1923, Knit-Rite remains committed to the continued research and development, manufacturing and distributing of products that deliver healthy benefits for a better quality of life.
-TRULY SEAMLESS-Completely free of seams, our patented product is knit like a cocoon, starting from the toe up, providing comfort and relief to children who struggle with “bumps & lumps” in their socks.

-UNIQUE NO HEEL DESIGN-“No heel” design allows children to put on socks with confidence and keeps little feet from outgrowing their socks so quickly.

-“HUGS” LITTLE FEET-Stretchy Corespun and Lycra yarns result in a form-fitting design that “hug” little feet and help eliminate wrinkling and bunching. Because socks fit snugly, they won't slip off those wiggliest little toes.

-"NON-BINDING"-Non-binding Halo Top™ fits comfortably without slipping down the leg. Regular socks often have elastic bands at the tops of the sock that can often pinch, bind or be a source of irritation.

-NO “STINKY FEET”High-tech fibers wick moisture away helping ensure a drier sock and help prevent “stinky feet”.

What we thought: This reviewed was performed by 4 yr old A who requested a pink pair of seamless socks. She also received 2 pair of white socks. A would be considered a sock girl...she likes to wear socks with everything and has been found in her closet more than once "modeling" every pair of socks she owns. The girl knows socks! As soon as the SmartKnitKIDS package came A put on her pink seamless socks and exclaimed "These are so much comfier than my "old" socks!!" Seriously. I must say they do feel pretty cushy. She asks to wear these at least 4 times/week...I'm like "It's summer in TEXAS!! Are you kidding me?!" but there's no arguing with the girl:) And they have stood up amazingly well to the abuse she has inflicted upon them during this, shall we say "thorough" review:) I am super impressed with SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Sensitivity Socks. I think we may be adding a few more colors to A's repertoire:) ABCD Diaries gives SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Sensitivity Socks an A+ and our Cool For School Seal of Approval!!

Buy It: You can find SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Sensitivity Socks at these retailers.
Win It: SmartKnitKIDS has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader 3 pairs of Seamless Sensitivity Socks!!! To enter, let us know who in your life would love these socks!!

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Giveaway ends Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given seamless sensitivity socks for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

TakeATote Review and Giveaway...

Cool For School Giveaway #4

Thanks to the mother/daughter team at TakeATote we recently had the opportunity to review an adorable little pouch like this one:

A little background on TakeATote/Yvonne Totes:

"Yvonne Totes is a Mother-Daughter business based out of Auburndale Wisconsin offering more than 20 years of industrial sewing experience. Yvonne Totes bring quality products at competitive prices. Yvonne Totes are quality American-made products. Discover a wonderful selection of fashionable products. Yvonne Totes features quality, useful items for everyone to last for years to come at a price that is affordable. All products have FREE SHIPPING!

What we thought: I love the pouch I was sent to review. It is the perfect size to hold my ID, cell phone, keys, and chapstick. It is perfect to just grab and go when I'm on my own(yes, those RARE occasion do happen:) or to toss in the diaper bag when I'm on-the-go with the kiddos. These pouches, along with all the bags at TakeATote, come in a variety of stylish patterns and are wonderfully made with quality fabrics. As you can see, TakeATote carries more than just cute pouches, but totes, bags, and purses of various sizes and they even make nursing pillows, window valances and chef hats and aprons! These gals are SUPER talented:) ABCD Diaries gives TakeATote an A and our Cool For School Seal of Approval!! Here are a few of my favorites from TakeATote that would be perfect for school:

Travel Tote:

Book Bag:

Buy It: You can find these amazing creations at TakeATote.
Win It: The lovely ladies at TakeATote have generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a pouch of their own!!! To enter, visit the website and leave a comment below mentioning an item you'd like to try.
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Giveaway ends Monday, August 16, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a pouch for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Mudpuppy Review and Giveaway...

Cool For School Giveaway #3

Thanks to the folks at Mudpuppy, we recently got to review an awesome block puzzle:

The Block Puzzles at Mudpuppy are really neat. They offer 6 different puzzles in one box. Just flip the blocks for a completely different puzzle challenge.

We tried out the Baby Animals Block Puzzle(Zoo Animals shown above)

Info about the Baby Animals Block Puzzle:
AWARDS: 2005 iParenting Excellent Product Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2009

RECOMMENDED AGE: 3
Have fun with irresistible baby animals and their parents from Barefoot Book's Who Are You, Baby Kangaroo? by Stella Blackstone and Clare Beaton. Clare Beaton has outdone herself in these fabric-based illustrations of big and little wolves, puppies, pigs, kangaroos, sheep, and zebras. Stack them up or put together the picture puzzles. Playing with Mudpuppy's Baby Animals Block Puzzle is a great activity for big and little people to do together.
9 2-inch cubes to use as building blocks or
Form 6 different puzzle pictures
Sturdy box with sliding drawer
$13.00
For ages 3+
Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper. Printed with non-toxic, soy-based inks.

Other cool puzzles from Mudpuppy...

Where the Wild Things Are Floor Puzzle:

Opposites 2 Sided Puzzle:

Forest Friends First Puzzle:

What we thought: Our kiddos are puzzle fanatics(they take after their Mommy:) and they thoroughly reviewed our Mudpuppy Block Puzzle. I mean over and over and over again. So I guess you could say they liked it...A LOT:) I like that even with continual use, this puzzle has held up(and D is getting to the "I'm pretty rough on toys" stage) I was seriously surprised how sturdy this puzzle is because it is made from cardboard(recycled, I might add:) The kids really haven't tired of this puzzle even after a few WEEKS of use. A said, "If I get bored of one side I just flip it to another side" and its also been a lot of fun intentionally mixing up the pieces to see what crazy critters we can come up with:) ABCD Diaries gives The Baby Animal Block Puzzle from Mudpuppy an A+ and our Cool For School Seal of Approval!

Buy It: You can find these super cool puzzles at Mudpuppy.
Win It: Mudpuppy has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader the Baby Animals Block Puzzle!!! To enter, visit the website and leave a comment below mentioning something you'd like to try.
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Giveaway ends Monday, August 16, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)
Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a puzzle for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

ListPlanIt Review and Giveaway...

Cool For School Giveaway #2

Thanks to the folks at ListPlanIt, we recently got to try out this amazing website, that has truly given back hours of my life:)

About ListPlanIt:
"ListPlanIt has grown from 200 lists and planning pages when it first launched in May 2007 to more than 500. Its membership is more than 2,000 listmakers strong. It is a place where those who simply love lists and those in need of a little assistance in mental organization can both find what they need.
Jennifer Tankersley, aka List Mama, has been making lists since she learned to write. She is not only the creator of ListPlanIt, but also its #1 user! To find out what her favorite lists are, click here. Since entering into wedded bliss 16 years ago, she has moved 9 times, given birth to 3 children, and prepared countless meals."

Some of the list-making categories you will find at ListPlanIt:
What we thought:
At ListPlanIt you will find extensive collections of lists in categories such as Family Matters, Home Management, Meal Planning, Financial Planning and so much more!! Some of our favorites were age-appropriate chore charts, the monthly cleaning schedule and the weekly menu planner w/ grocery list. But if you are an OCD list-maker like myself, you will find lots more than that to be excited about!! You will be in List-Making Heaven!! I love that you can store these on the computer and print them out as needed, way less clutter for the desk:) ListPlanIt has already made my life easier and will continue to do so for a long time, I'm sure:) ABCD Diaries gives ListPlanIt an A+ and our Cool For School Seal of Approval!!


Buy It: You can make your list-making dreams come true at ListPlanIt.

Win It: ListPlanIt has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader the Print Membership and an ePlanner of their choice!! To enter, let us know if YOU are a list-maker:)


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Giveaway ends Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a membership for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Tie Buddies Review and Giveaway...

Cool For School Giveaway #1



Thanks to Tie Buddies, we were recently given the chance to review this neat little invention:

Background on Tie Buddies:
"Tie Buddies® was born in January 2007 by inventor and mother of two, Wendy Welling. As she lay next to her younger daughter, she kept thinking that there simply had to be a better way to help her children learn to tie their own shoes!Inspired by both her daughter’s excitement – and their increased feelings of independence as they quickly learned to tie their own shoes – Wendy spent months fiddling with prototypes and ideas until finally perfecting Tie Buddies®. The key was to create cool characters and interactive stories that help the child learn and retain the process and as well as eliminating the frustrating ‘bunny ears or loops’ that just confuse children as they learn. Thus in April 2007 this mother of two independent shoe-tying daughters created her own company, Widget Works, Inc, and launched Tie Buddies® into the market.Tie Buddies® will revolutionize when and how children learn to tie their shoes. With Velcro and slip-ons the average age of children learning to tie has increased with some children learning as late as 9 or 10.Tie Buddies® offer children ages 3-9 the independence of tying their own shoes while quickly teaching them a method which is based around characters and stories depicted on the Tie Buddies® themselves. Tie Buddies® first offering includes one design each for boys and girls but rest assured more great characters are to come!"

What we thought: This is such a neat idea! I feel like I'm pretty good at teaching my kiddos life lessons, but for some reason I have been very unsuccessful at teaching 4 yr old A to tie her shoes. After trying and failing several times, I finally threw my hands up and put it in the "Daddy will teach you" category. Then along came Tie Buddies...These little plastic doodads are awesome! A loves the way they match her shoes and the pink fairy theme matches her personality perfectly. She is really advancing in shoe-tying too! We will definitely be getting D a set of these in a year or so. Thanks Tie Buddies for helping our daughter along in mastering this milestone!! ABCD Diaries gives Tie Buddies an A+ and our Cool For School Seal of Approval!!
Buy It: You can find this innovative product at Tie Buddies.
Win It: Tie Buddies has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader their choice of Tie Buddies!! To enter, comment below with which set of Tie Buddies you would like to try.
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Giveaway ends Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)
Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a set of Tie Buddies for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

SnackTAXI Review...

Thanks to SnackTAXI, we recently got to try out these nifty little reusable snack and sandwich bags:
Background on the SnackTAXI from the creator:
"I invented snackTAXIs way back in 2003 as a way to stem the tide of plastic ziplock bags that flowed from our house to the landfill when our 3 kids started school! We pack over 500 lunches every year, and had definitely fallen prey to the easy appeal of the ziplock bag.
snackTAXIs are easy too- really! They are made in our home-based workshop by talented (and fun!) local sewers- we are committed to keeping our business local, and will never outsource our labor.
We hope you'll enjoy using snackTAXIs as much as we enjoy making them!


What we thought: I love it when I can add something Earth-friendly and wallet-friendly to our home, especially when it is something so absolutely stylish like the SnackTAXI! These bags are great! They work wonderfully, keeping food tucked safely inside and tasting fresh. They are the perfect sizes, both sandwich and snack. They are super convenient for on-the-go snacking or lunch boxes. And they come in a variety or gorgeous designs allowing you to match you bag desgins with your personality:) We are really enjoying our bags and the idea that we are creasting a brighter future for our family each time we use our SnackTAXIs. ABCD Diaries gives SnackTAXI an A+ and earned our Cool For School seal of approval!!
Buy It: You can find SnackTAXI bags on the website or check here for retail locations near you:)


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a set of SnackTAXIs for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.